Oculus Rift DK2 Review

[SR-F_Winger]

OK, here we go.

The DK 2 is, no diffrent than the DK1 an awesome experience.

The positional tracking does help with nausea like i hear (i never experienced it myself). Its really awesome to lean in to stuff and the 3D effect is so awesome  that you actually worry (whatever you close up to) could hurt your eye if you go in any closer.

The resolution has become better and should be practicable to play things like racing sims where its not really necessary to be able to read gauges. Cause you cant.

In DCS i flew the Huey and if you lean in you can somewhat read the bigger gauges. Smaller ones - no way.

So if you ask me is the resolution sifficient for gaming, the only answer can be no.

When it comes to FOV there is no noticeable diffrence to the DK1. Still something around 90 to 100 degree. At least for me with almost 72 IPD. This is also not enough for competitive flightsimmers since if you want to turn around to check six in real life you would only have to turn around like 100-130° and your peripheral vision would be enough to realize if there is a six or not. With the current narrow FOV you litterally have to turn your head 180° full degrees wich is simply too much to be practicable in onlineplay.

The weight has increased a little compared to the DK1 and i think it would be exhausting to wear this thing for longer than an hour or so.

The immersion is even more awesome than it was already in the DK1 but here is my verdict in questions and answers:

 

Is the DK2 awesome? YES!

Is the resolution sufficient for competitive online play in flightsims? NO!

Is the resolution enough for just flying around getting a great sense of flight or play racingsims? YES

Is the cofort in wearing sufficient for everyday use? Kinda not

 

Over all i think the DK2 is a big step to the right direction and after testing it I have even less doubt than i already had that they will be getting it completely right with the CV1.

IMHO what the CV1 will have to feature to make us simmers happy (and i have no doubt we will get AT LEAST that if not more in CV1):

 

2560x1440 pixel resolution

Seethrough function with stereo cameras - to be activated via button press

Weightreduction by aproximately 50% or more

120° degree FOV or more with clear vision not only in the middle of the lenses

 

I definately will keep checking oculusvr.com on a daily basis so that i wont miss day one of CV1 preorders:)

 

Winger

[II./JG53Lutzow_z06z33]

So overall it looks worse than a 1920X1080 monitor? I preordered a DK2 to use in IL2 BOS but if its not going to be good I'll just cancel my preorder what do you think?

Edited August 4, 2014 by OCTz06z33

[SimFreak]

IMHO they need to have 1080P for EACH eye. Duel monitor style setup.

[DD_bongodriver]

IMHO they need to have 1080P for EACH eye. Duel monitor style setup.

 

it already has 1080p each eye using the single screen.

[JG27_Chivas]

I'm particularly pleased that you were able to use the DK2 with an IPD around 72.  Mine is 73 and was concerned the DK2 might be unusable when it arrives this week.

 

I heard the DCS software doesn't allow people to lean in enough to read the gauges wearing the DK2.   If thats true, do you think it would be possible to read the gauges if allowed to lean in far enough.    If you still can't read the gauges, can you see the needle, which should give you a good idea on the reading?

 

I don't game or fly combat sims much anymore, but I'm looking forward to flying around with the DK2, even with its deficiencies just for the sense of height/presence/3D etc. 

 

I'm quite sure the consumer version will be far superior, given Oculus partnerships with Facebook's buying power, and Samsungs ability to create the necessary display.  Not to mention that Oculus has some the brightest minds in VR  business.

 

Oculus will have no problem creating a lighter, higher FOV/RES display.   The hard part will be doing it in the confines of limited CPU/GPU resources of people average computers.   That said, I'm reading that Nvidia has come up with new tech that will quadruple the pixel count without the resource hit.

[SR-F_Winger]

@ OCT yes. dont forget youre magnifying the pixels by factor 6 at a distance of around 3 cm.

@ Chivas. If you lean in very far you can read the bigger gauges. Its not confortable but nanageable. Like i wrote. To just fly around its OK. To fly competetive its not.

 

Palmer already stated that the solution with the lenses (DK1 and DK2) is somewhat a "crowbarsolution". With the financial background of Facebook i wouldnt wonder if theyd come up with a more sophisiticated solution without lenses or much less magnification for the CV1. Even eyetracking is thinkable for CV1.

Edited August 4, 2014 by VSG1_Winger

[Tektolnes]

So overall it looks worse than a 1920X1080 monitor? I preordered a DK2 to use in IL2 BOS but if its not going to be good I'll just cancel my preorder what do you think?

 

It will definitely look worse than a 1080p monitor. There's more pixels to push around a wider FOV therefore the resolution is less. Personally I'm holding out for CV1 and I'll put cash saved on DK2 towards what will need to be a hefty upgrade probably to be able to get the minimum of 60fps required for smooth gameplay - especially if CV1 comes in at 1440p. Also I don't think the BOS devs are going to program anything specifically for OR until they know that things are finalised on the OR end and they won't have to re-do stuff. Would think that'll be a good bit closer to CV1 release. So unless you've got cash to burn or just want to get in early on the great OR experience I'd probably wait for CV1.

[JG27_Chivas]

@Winger.......  Cormack has stated the Oculus development is working on eyetracking, but no word whether or not it will make the first consumer version.   I also asked if you could see the needle in the gauge.  Even if you couldn't read the numbers on the gauge, but knew what the gauge was for, the needle position could give you a decent idea what the gauge is indicating.

 

@Tek......I think you'd need 75fps, and 75HZ for a decent VR experience, without stutter etc.  Not an easy level to achieve with complex combat flight sims.

[SimFreak]

it already has 1080p each eye using the single screen.

No it doesn't. It has one display 1080p. So each eye gets half of res.

[Matt]

Half of the resolution horizontally, but not vertically. Both eyes get 1080p vertically.

 

I did not get my DK2 yet (not even shipped yet, but then i was late and ordered on day 2  ), but so far, this doesn't sound good and i might sale it sooner than expected and probably also forget about the first CV unless it's a massive improvement. It might be a bit too early to use it for anything but specific OR games/demos.

[DD_bongodriver]

No it doesn't. It has one display 1080p. So each eye gets half of res.

 

 

Yes it does, the screen is 1080p in vertical resolution, both eyes get 1080p vertical resolution, only the horizontal resolution is halved...........1920/2 = 960 horizontal per eye.......only 120 pixels short of 1080

 

hope it helps

 

everybody else beat me to it by a couple of hours.

[Dakpilot]

About half the resolution of a 1080P HD screen, I think the confusion is using the P, if it is said that a resolution is 1080 vertical it is fine, as soon as 1080P is used it is assumed to be relating to Full HD, 1920X1080 progressive scan

 

Hopefully when this reaches mainstream each eye will be seeing something approximate to what we are used to with Full HD screens/TV's  , that is if we are not all used to 4k by then

 

Cheers Dakpilot

[Matt]

I got my DK2 yesterday and even though i did not use in a flightsim yet (tried to get DCS working, but i just get a black screen all the time, might have something to do with the latest Firmware), i can't see it being of much use for it.

 

It should give a good feel of flying around, but reading instruments or spotting planes (without icons) will be almost impossible. As long as you want to use it for flightsims, i would definately not order the DK2 and would only consider the CV1 if its really a substantial improvement and i highly doubt 1440p will cut it, if they keep using their current system.

 

Head tracking is working perfectly though. It's amazing how smooth 2DOF works without any external tracker. I don't find it that uncomfortable, but i also wouldn't want to wear it for an hour straight.

 

I'll wait a bit until some other games/demos are supported and will check those out. But i don't plan to keep it for long. It is an interesting concept, but i think it's at least a year too early for it. I'm definately curious how the CV1 will actually be like and what improvements can be made until its release.

Edited August 12, 2014 by Matt

[LLv34_Flanker]

S!

 

 Thanks for the input DK2 owners. Very much appreciated. 

[VR-DriftaholiC]

A 4k screen is going to be required solely for pixel density even if the image is only rendered at 1080p. But I wouldn't say that it's unplayable at 1080p you just need to get closer to identify targets or play with (god forbid) icons. Looking behind you is a lot of work but I honestly don't think it was to much easier to see behind you in real life.

 

Watching demos of the rift can't even begin to give you a feeling for what it's like using it. Imaging looking through swimming goggles into another dimension. Except it looks like you are staring at your monitor with a magnifying glass.

Edited August 12, 2014 by driftaholic

[1PL-Banzai-1Esk]

I managed to shoot down a Mustang in DCS , flying Dora. I could see most of the gauges without any problems, leaning in works great, with Dora being rather forgiving now when run on full throttle I didn't really have to look at any gauges. I could keep a track of my target when engaged in rolling scissors which was a good thing. My main problem was checking six , it's near impossible when you're holding joystick. Also looking straight up during rolling scissors was a stretch for my neck. I think that 1440p and improved optics should be enough for some casual simming. For competitive play main drawback is checking six and high six. No matter your resolution you will find it very hard to compete with a player using TrackIR. Oculus only duels will become a thing I suppose.

 

I am happy to experience no nausea in DCS , even when doing loops and going into spin. I can't do FPS though or Driving , makes me feel seasick.

[desigabri]

wow, I ordered DK2 on July and it should arrive on September... I'm not happy reading about your experiences. I hope that for that time it will be implemented on IL2 BOS... I hope.

[Matt]

I bought Elite Dangerous today (mostly because it has pretty flawless OR support, would've bought it anyway at some point) and there it really works great and it's very cool to just look around in your cockpit and activate the screens just by looking at them etc. There it really shows its potential. It just feels really convincing. The pilot is modelled and looking at the arms and hands feels really weird. Again, reading text messages etc. is very hard and i need to totally focus on those messages.

 

But as it has been mentioned, it becomes a real physical act to look around and checking six in a flightsim would be quite tiring and it would of course give you massive disadvantage in flightsims other games were it's possible to look around 360 degrees.

 

I've decided to sell my DK2 at the end of this week. It's a fantastic concept, but in its current form, it's of no real use for me and its a bit too expensive to just have it lying around or just testing things from time to time.

[VR-DriftaholiC]

I think I'll be hanging on to mine until just prior to the CV1 hype. It's still very early to judge but I spend 4 hours straight playing E:D in the rift last night and it was great. So what i will have to roll the plane to see clearly behind me, as I understand thats normal procedure anyway.

[JG27_Chivas]

A swivel seat will definitely be needed to check six using the Rift, especially for us older less flexible minions.   I've seen a youtube video where a guy actually stood up, and turned to check six.    This would work until the Rift software restricts movement much like the TrackIR limits movement within a cockpit.   

[VR-DriftaholiC]

Just tried WT again and they made some good improvements to scale and the menus. It still needs some work on the 3D  positioning of some things but it's worth another look. It's really more that the camera has a problem tracking when you turn around 180 degrees and the lean to the left or the right is "removed" so seeing around the seat can be hard. I think this is coded into the game and can be improved. When it looses tracking it shouldn't re-position your body.

Edited August 17, 2014 by driftaholic

[DD_bongodriver]

it's a developer kit, nobody should be buying it unless they want to develop something for it or they are a hyper-enthusiast who just wants to go on the journey and see for themselves what it does, reviewing it, criticising it, expecting more from it are all pointless endeavours.

[desigabri]

uhhh I'm really afraid reading your words .... I read enthusiastic comments before decide to buy it, I always postponed to buy trackIr because of its limits, and after having viewed some youtube shorts of it with IL2 I choosed to buy the DK2 rather to buy a TrackIR.  I'm very confused now, it seemed to be so next to be finished, next to a good working  stage no matter if there will be another version best of it and cheaper in some months. Just wanted to start using it, flying with it in IL2 series and BOS in the hope to increase my feeling to be in the sky into a real WW2 cockpit. Now I read about that there are problems reading the texts, that it can loose the traking as the TrakIR does :( , I believed it works with accelerometers and gyroscope sensors and that camera was added only to increase the recognize quality of the positioning :( now I started thinking to have not done a good affair. I'm Very Very very worried now.

 

it's a developer kit, nobody should be buying it unless they want to develop something for it or they are a hyper-enthusiast who just wants to go on the journey and see for themselves what it does, reviewing it, criticising it, expecting more from it are all pointless endeavours.

 

sorry if I deleted my previous message: I was editing it when you answered and then it was impossible for me to save it, because you wrote after it, so I reported the correct order of this answer so people can understand that you answerd to me.

 

Yes you are right, I read everywhere that it isn't a final product, and I decided to buy it anyway, and buy the newer one when it will be sold if I'll think it will be right. I'm worried because only now I read about some troubles about SDK2. I though anyway to have some tools to try it and mod it because it is a SDK product. Only worried because at this time it seems worst then what people were saying when I decided to buy it.

Edited August 27, 2014 by desigabri

[DD_bongodriver]

I have a DK2, love it, no problems so far.

[No601_Prangster]

Yes you are right, I read everywhere that it isn't a final product, and I decided to buy it anyway, and buy the newer one when it will be sold if I'll think it will be right. I'm worried because only now I read about some troubles about SDK2. I though anyway to have some tools to try it and mod it because it is a SDK product. Only worried because at this time it seems worst then what people were saying when I decided to buy it.

Sorry to hear that you got caught out by the hype. At the moment I would rate Track IR as a much better choice for BoS.

[DD_bongodriver]

 

 

rate Track IR as a much better choice for BoS.

 

The only choice, no OR support until after release.......maybe, thankfully DCS and others do support it.

[VR-DriftaholiC]

nothing will make you feel like you are a real warbird pilot like oculus will, I even breathe funny when doing high g maneuvers

[[NASA]il_Balordo]

 

 

OK, here we go. The DK 2 is, no diffrent than the DK1 an awesome experience. The positional tracking does help with nausea like i hear (i never experienced it myself). Its really awesome to lean in to stuff and the 3D effect is so awesome  that you actually worry (whatever you close up to) could hurt your eye if you go in any closer. The resolution has become better and should be practicable to play things like racing sims where its not really necessary to be able to read gauges. Cause you cant. In DCS i flew the Huey and if you lean in you can somewhat read the bigger gauges. Smaller ones - no way. So if you ask me is the resolution sifficient for gaming, the only answer can be no. When it comes to FOV there is no noticeable diffrence to the DK1. Still something around 90 to 100 degree. At least for me with almost 72 IPD. This is also not enough for competitive flightsimmers since if you want to turn around to check six in real life you would only have to turn around like 100-130° and your peripheral vision would be enough to realize if there is a six or not. With the current narrow FOV you litterally have to turn your head 180° full degrees wich is simply too much to be practicable in onlineplay. The weight has increased a little compared to the DK1 and i think it would be exhausting to wear this thing for longer than an hour or so. The immersion is even more awesome than it was already in the DK1 but here is my verdict in questions and answers:   Is the DK2 awesome? YES! Is the resolution sufficient for competitive online play in flightsims? NO! Is the resolution enough for just flying around getting a great sense of flight or play racingsims? YES Is the cofort in wearing sufficient for everyday use? Kinda not   Over all i think the DK2 is a big step to the right direction and after testing it I have even less doubt than i already had that they will be getting it completely right with the CV1. IMHO what the CV1 will have to feature to make us simmers happy (and i have no doubt we will get AT LEAST that if not more in CV1):   2560x1440 pixel resolution Seethrough function with stereo cameras - to be activated via button press Weightreduction by aproximately 50% or more 120° degree FOV or more with clear vision not only in the middle of the lenses   I definately will keep checking oculusvr.com on a daily basis so that i wont miss day one of CV1 preorders:)   Winger

 

Hi Winger,

Sorry for my bad english.

I never had the good fortune to try Oculus ... and I am very interested in what you say. 

Why you have destroyed my hopes of 2 years.... but this I suspected already 

You can NOT see the small gauges even zooming the view ?!?! 

The effect is so awful?

Thanks

[DD_bongodriver]

You will be able to read gauges and see distant aircraft in the CV1

[1PL-Banzai-1Esk]

Seriously guys , why are you bothered with gauges in BoS anyway? You can run Yak ( and couple of other planes) on full throttle and prop pitch all day long as long as your rads are not fully closed. In DCS Dora you can see gauges no problem , again it runs on full throttle for hours , I shot down a Mustang after 15-20 minutes dogfight ( i lost track couple of times because checking six is the main problem) and never even looked at any gauges.

 

More important is to see your gunsight and be able to see tracers. Don't worry too much yet as there is no BoS support and we don't know what will be visible or not. Judging by DCS it should be ok for some casual flying and dogfighting in SP , not so much in MP no icons servers because it will be difficult to identify contacts from afar.

 

 

Also I am afraid that so far OR won't replace a good monitor and TrackIR if you like long playing sessions online on expert server.

 

S.

[VR-DriftaholiC]

Easy to read gauges in DCS, just lean in and look. Will be easy in BOS too, spotting and identification will be the issue. But it wont stop me from playing the game solely in the rift.

Edited August 27, 2014 by driftaholic

[HagarTheHorrible]

How well does the OR translate an awareness of aircraft attitude while maneuvering ?

[JG27_Chivas]

The DK2 prototype is definitely not ready for prime time.  If it was, it wouldn't have been called a prototype, and would have been sold as a consumer version.   Not to mention that the fact that the developer has said that casual users expecting a finished experience shouldn't buy the prototype.    Track IR was a huge leap for combat flight sim immersion, the consumer Rift will be provide ten times that immersion.   I have the DK2 and the potential for VR to change everything is blatantly obvious.  The hype is real.

How well does the OR translate an awareness of aircraft attitude while maneuvering ?

The Rift provides unsurpassed awareness of attitude and altitude.

[DigitalEngine]

Good video review of the DK2, posted  here using the DCS A10C.

I'm very optimistic the CV1 will be a must have for IL-2 BOS, and most certainly the developers will implement support for CV1 as it becomes ready and available.

As is CV1 is just too far away, and DK2 is a developers tool.

For now, I'll wait for the CV1.....maybe...